It might be one of the more rare vegetables, but fennel is really good for us humans. But can dogs eat fennel?
There are so many ways to prepare fennel for us humans to eat. We can put it on our salads or fry it up and add it to marinara sauce. When you buy some from the store, is it safe to share with your dog? Let’s take a closer look.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating fennel.
Can Dogs Eat Fennel?
Yes, not only can your dogs have fennel but it is really good for them too. Fennel is just as healthy for your pups as it is for you. In fact, some dog owners give their furry friends this aromatic herb as a natural way to combat bad breath.
The best ways to share fennel with your dog is to peel, chop, and add raw fennel to your dog’s food.
Health Benefits of Fennel
Fennel contains lots of vital nutrients. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium.
It is really beneficial for the health of your dog.
Vitamin A is also found in carrots. It helps give your dogs a stronger vision, healthier cellular function, and stronger immune systems.
Vitamin C also helps strengthen your dog’s immune system. It has antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. In other words, it helps them have stronger bodies and a sharper mind.
Calcium and iron are amazing for your dog’s bones, healthy teeth, cardiovascular system, and healthy blood counts.
There are also some other benefits of fennel that are pretty surprising.
It can help your dog have easier poops. It’s nature’s stool softener. If you’ve noticed your dog straining, give them a dog treat with fennel in it.
Some people will sprinkle fennel seeds on their dog’s food because it can also freshen their breath too. This is a nice little side-benefit of this wonder seed.
Finally, fennel seeds can also help reduce gas in dogs. If you have a flatulent dog, try sprinkling a few fennel seeds on their food or in their homemade dog treats.
The best way to make sure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals their bodies need is to feed them a balanced diet. Before resorting to pills or supplements, always try to give them whole foods first.
Is Fennel Bad For Dogs
Do not let your dog eat the yellow flowers. They are really high in fiber and could give your dog digestive problems like diarrhea.
Many pet owners discover that their dog doesn’t like how fennel tastes so if you want to share this with your pet, it might be a good idea to cover it up with other ingredients.
Fennel Essential Oil
Do not give your dog fennel oil. It is associated with photosensitive dermatitis, which means a skin rash that gets worse in the sun. Even though the oil has anti-inflammatory properties, these volatile oils are not safe for dogs.
How to Give Fennel To Your Dog
How much fennel should dogs eat?
Since fennel is such an excellent source of those nutrients, how do you give it to them? There are a few different ways, try any one of these.
When you are introducing a new food or snack to your dog, do it slowly. That way you will know if their body has any kind of reaction to it. Also, always rinse off the fennel, unless you grew it yourself. The kind you buy from the grocery store might have pesticide residue on it, which could be bad for your dog’s digestive system.
There are a variety of ways to share fennel leaves or seeds with your dog, here are the most popular ones.
Homemade Dog Treats
Making homemade dog treats is the easiest way to give small quantities of fennel to your dog. That way you know exactly what is in the treats.
This recipe is gluten-free too. It uses rice flour and flaxseed meal. It’s full of whole ingredients and a snap to make.
Sprinkle Fennel Seeds on The Dog Food
You could also try just sprinkling small portions of fennel seeds on your dog’s food. It’s a great way to boost the nutrition of commercial dog foods. If your dog is sensitive to any changes to their food, they might notice and not like it. So try a very little amount at first.
Fennel Tea For Dogs
You can also try to make your pup some homemade fennel tea.
Boil some fennel seeds in clean water. Then add that water to your dog’s water dish. If they drink it, they will still get lots of the health benefits of this plant.
Cooked Fennel
Finally, if you enjoy making dog food from scratch, you can try adding a little fennel to their meal.
This vegetable has a very strong flavor. You can try to chop it up really small and put it in with their food but they will probably just sniff it and walk away. It might be healthy food, but even a small amount of fennel might make your dog walk away, so cover it up with gravy or other dog food.
Fennel is Safe for Dogs
The short answer is that fennel is completely safe for dogs. From better breath to less gas, there are lots of ways this amazing little veggie and its seeds can have a positive effect on your dog’s body and digestive tract. Make some dog treats with fennel seeds or buy some treats with fennel as an ingredient. Your dog will love it!
More Dog Food Resources
Here are more resources about different types of vegetables dogs can eat and ones they can’t. Stay informed and keep your dog safe.
- Beans Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
- Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers
- Can Dogs Eat Parsnips
- Can Dogs Eat Radishes
- Can Dogs Eat Turnips
- Can Dogs Eat Yams
Find lots of articles of food dogs can eat here on Spoiled Hounds.
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